National Fig week

Figs are thought to be one of the oldest cultivated fruit, dating back over 6000
years, so it seems fitting that they should have a week to themselves and
National Fig Week is the ideal time to celebrate these flowers. Flowers? Yes,
figs are indeed inverted flowers, so not strictly speaking a fruit but for the
purpose of this editorial, we’ll continue to call them fruit.

Unlike many fruit, figs don’t contain much vitamin C, however nutritionally,
they outgun most others in numerous ways. They are a better source of vitamin
B6, have higher quantities of minerals, including potassium, and contain dietary
fibre than many other fruit. As a consequence of the high fibre content, figs
are a mild laxative. Dried figs are also an excellent source of calcium

Historically figs have been referred to and revered from the earliest of times,
though we doubt there was a National Fig week. They are mentioned in the first book of The Bible (Genesis) and some scholars
believe the forbidden fruit picked by Eve was a fig rather than an apple, which
would actually make more sense as it’s supposed to be a fig leaf which Adam
chose to ‘protect his modesty. The ancient Greeks are believed to have fed figs
to their athletes (Spartans) to induce strength and vitality and the Roman's
gave fresh figs to their agricultural slaves to help keep them fit and therefore
able to work harder. Not forgetting old Cleopatra with her basket of figs hiding
the asp .

Figs are also considered a symbol of fertility in many cultures possibly because
each fruit contains between 30 and 1,000 seeds…sometimes more.

Whatever the reason, be it for its nutritional values or its exquisite taste,
below are some recipes to help you celebrate National Fig week. If you want more
information about figs including origins, history, cultivation, buying and
storing the visit our
Figs
Ingredient Analysis page.